SIR ALEX FERGUSON yesterday led the tributes at the funeral of Dave Mackay, the former Hearts, Tottenham and Scotland captain.

Edinburgh-born midfielder Mackay died in hospital earlier this month at the age of 80.

Ferguson, Denis Law, Frank McLintock, Ian St John, Alan Mullery and Bertie Auld were among former team-mates and footballing figures at his funeral in the Scottish capital.

Ferguson recalled the only time he played against Mackay.

"I was playing for Queen's Park reserves against Hearts reserves at Tynecastle and the great Mackay was playing because he was coming back from a broken toe," said Fergie.

He tackled me and I thought 'Christ', but in those days you had to get up no matter what

Alex Ferguson

"He tackled me and I thought 'Christ', but in those days you had to get up no matter what. So I got up, had a look at that big barrel chest of his and he just said 'are you all right, son?'.

"That was a great memory - the only time I played against Dave Mackay - and I'll never forget it."

Streets around the stadium were lined by hundreds of fans, who applauded the cortege, which left from Heart' Tynecastle home.

Mackay captained Hearts to the Scottish League title during the 1957-58 season and joined Spurs in 1959, helping the north London club become the first English side to win the league and FA Cup double in the 20th century during the 1960-61 campaign.

He was named Footballer of the Year in both Scotland and England and also starred for Derby, where he won the First Division title as manager.